STRONG TOWER RANCH STATEMENT OF FAITH

Transcription

1 STRONG TOWER RANCH STATEMENT OF FAITH A. That "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" by which we understand the whole book called The Bible; that it is inerrant in the original writing and that its teaching and authority are absolute, supreme and final. That the Holy Spirit guided the holy men of old in all that they wrote. 2 Tim. 3:16; Deut. 4:2; 2 Peter 1:21 B. The Godhead eternally exists in three persons; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, having the same nature, attributes and perfection. Rom. 1:20; Matt. 28:19; Deut. 4:35; John 17:5 C. In the Personality and Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, begotten of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, truly God and truly man. John 1:1; John 1:14; John 10:30; Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:30; Phil. 2:5-7; 1 Tim. 3:16; Col. 1:19 D. In the Personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit, the source and power of all acceptable worship and service, the infallible interpreter of the infallible Word, who indwells every true believer, and is ever present to testify of Christ, seeking to occupy us with Him and not with ourselves or our experiences. John 15:26; Acts 5:3,4; Acts 1:8; Rom. 8:26, 27; 1 Cor. 2:12,14; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; John 16:13,14 E. That man was created in the image of God, after His likeness, as stated in the Word of God, but the whole human race fell in the fall of the first Adam. Not only was his moral nature grievously injured by the fall but he totally lost all spiritual life, becoming dead in trespasses and sins, and subject to the power of the devil. "The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:7,8). Therefore, he cannot see nor enter the kingdom of God until he is born again by the Holy Spirit. That no degree of reformation however great, no attainment in morality however high, no culture however attractive, no humanitarian and philanthropic schemes and societies however useful, no baptism or other ordinance however administered, can help the sinner to take even one step toward Heaven; but a new nature imparted from above, a new life implanted by the Holy Spirit through the Word is absolutely essential to salvation. Genesis 1:26, 27; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3; John 3:3,6,7; Titus 3:5 F. That Jesus Christ became the sinner s substitute before God, and died as a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. That He was made a curse for the sinner, dying for his sins according to the Scriptures, that no repentance, no feeling, no faith, no good resolutions, no sincere efforts, no submission to the rules and regulations of any church can add in the very least to the value of the precious blood or to the merit of that finished work wrought for us by Him who tasted death for every man. Romans 5:8; 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 2:9; Galatians 3:13; Romans 4:4,5; Romans 3:25; Colossians 1:13,14,20,21 G. In the resurrection of the crucified body of Jesus Christ. That His body was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and that He ascended into Heaven and sits on the right hand of God as the believer s high priest and advocate. Luke 24:39; Acts 1:10,11; Ephesians 4:10; Hebrews 1:3; 1 John 2:1 H. That Christ, in the fullness of the blessings He has secured by His death and resurrection, is received by faith alone, and that the moment we trust in Him as our Savior we pass out of death into everlasting life, justified from all things, accepted before the Father according to the measure of His acceptance, loved as He is loved and made one with Him. At the time of acceptance of Christ as Savior, He comes to

2 dwell within the believer and to live out His life of holiness and power through him. Hebrews 9:15; John 5:24; Romans 3:28; Romans 4:3,23-25; Ephesians 1:3; John 17:23; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 4:6,7; Galatians 5:16; Acts 1:8 I. That the Church is composed of all those who truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. It is the body and bride of Christ. That every believer, whether Jew or Gentile, is baptized into one body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, and having thus become members of one another we are responsible to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, rising above all sectarian prejudices and denominational bigotry and loving one another with a pure heart fervently. Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 1:22,23; Ephesians 5:25-27,31,32; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 12:4,5; Ephesians 4:1-3; 1 Corinthians 1:10 J. That all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ are called into a life of separation from worldly and sinful practices, and should abstain from such amusements and habits as will cause others to stumble or bring reproach upon the cross of Christ. Believers are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). 1 John 2:15,16; Romans 14:13; Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 2:10 K. In the evangelization of the world, that the supreme mission of the people of God in this age is to preach the Gospel to every creature. That special emphasis should be placed upon the evangelization of children. Mark 16:15; 2 Corinthians 5:18,19; Matthew 18:14 L. In the personal return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that the coming again of Jesus Christ is the Blessed Hope set before us, for which we should be constantly looking. Our citizenship is in Heaven from whence we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20). Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; John 14:1-3; Titus 2:13; Philippians 3:20,21 M. That the souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation do at death immediately pass into His presence, and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the body at His coming, when soul and body reunited shall be with Him forever in glory. Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Luke 16:22,25; Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 N. That the souls of the lost remain after death in misery until the final judgment of the great white throne, when soul and body reunited at the resurrection shall be cast into the lake of fire which is the second death to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power (2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9). Luke 16:22-23,27,28; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:5,11-15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 O. In the reality and personality of Satan, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, which deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9). Ephesians 6:11,12 1 Peter 5:8 Revelation 20:10

3 Dress Code Strong Tower Ranch staff reserves the right to disapprove questionable clothing worn by our volunteers and campers. We have extra Strong Tower Ranch t-shirts and shorts and will ask volunteers and campers to change if we deem it necessary. Gals Dress Code: Loose fitting t-shirts are required for all female volunteers. Strong Tower t-shirts may be purchased. T-shirts other than STR t-shirts may not contain offensive wording or artwork. Please do not wear skin-tight pants or shorts, or those with holes in unacceptable places. Shorts should come down at least halfway between the thigh and knee. Be sure that your pants are high enough that no skin or undergarment shows between them and your t-shirt, even when you re moving or bending. Female volunteers must wear one piece swimsuits. (All Day Camp volunteers must wear colored t-shirts over their swimsuits during camp hours. Extra miscellaneous t-shirts may be borrowed for this purpose. They can be found in the camp office. After-hours swim attire during day camp includes t-shirt, but final decision is left with the supervising adult.) Like a gold ring in a pig s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. Proverbs 11:22 I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety 1 Timothy 2:9 Guys Dress Code: Loose fitting t-shirts are required for all male volunteers. Strong Tower t-shirts may be purchased. T-shirts other than STR t-shirts may not contain offensive wording or artwork. No skin-tight shorts or pants, or those with holes in unacceptable places. Shorts should come down at least halfway between the thigh and knee. Make sure your top is long enough and your pants high enough that no skin or undergarment shows between them, even when you re moving or bending. Swim trunks should be loose-fitting and be longer than mid-thigh. (All Day Camp volunteers must wear colored t-shirts over their swimsuits during camp hours. Extra miscellaneous t-shirts may be borrowed for this purpose. They can be found in the camp office. After-hours swim attire during day camp includes t-shirt, but final decision is left with the supervising adult.) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind Romans 12:1-2

4 STR Child Protection Policy Review Child Protection Policy below, and be aware this is also for your own protection. You don t want to be falsely accused by a child. It s very important to NEVER be by yourself with any child. Even if it s transporting a child to the other side of the property or counseling, stay in sight of other workers or take another worker with you. 1. No staff person shall be alone with one or more children at any time. There should always be a second staff person present as a witness to all activities. Activities taking place in an area observable by other adults from a distance of 50 yards is not considered alone. 2. Staff shall refrain from hugging children except abound the shoulders while standing next to, rather than in front of the child. 3. Staff shall not yell at children in the context of reprimand. Shouted instructions in an open area are appropriate, but if correction is needed, the child or children needing reprimand should be taken aside and spoken to with the staff person in control of his emotions and within sight of witnesses. 4. Verbal reprimand may take place by any staff person. All further discipline matters must be given to the Staff Manager or Ministry Leader so that discipline will be administered in a monitored and consistent manner. Discipline will consist of verbal reprimand, time out from activities, alternate activities, call to parents/guardian, and as a last resort being sent home. 5. If an adult hears or views anything which leads him to suspect the child is being neglected, physically abused or sexually abused either at camp or elsewhere, he must report his suspicion to the Staff Manager or Ministry Leader. The Ministry Leader will evaluate the report and if he agrees that is a valid suspicion, he is required by law to report it to the proper authorities. 6. Staff shall not use any language which is vulgar, has sexual connotations or is derogatory towards a gender or race. This includes comments or discussion of inappropriate activity of others. 7. If a volunteer hears or views anything which leads him to suspect misconduct of any kind by another volunteer, he or she must report this suspicion to the Staff Manager or Ministry Leader. The Ministry Leader will evaluate the report and if he agrees that is a valid suspicion, will take appropriate measures.

5 Gender Interaction Guidelines You are here to serve God by serving others. Your attention needs to be focused on those persons or duties with which you have been entrusted. During times when you are responsible for children, your focus needs to be on them and not on gaining the attention of another volunteer. You will have time to socialize before and after camp/service hours (Day Camp youth volunteers must have permission to stay after - see After-Hours policy below and posted on the office door during camp weeks.) Please do not flirt during your service time at STR. Flirtation is defined as attempting to attract special attention from the opposite gender. For young men, trying to gain attention from girls by treating them any differently than you would treat the adult female staff is flirting. For young ladies, trying to gain attention from guys by treating them any differently than you would treat the adult male staff is flirting. Unmarried people should avoid physical contact. Avoid the appearance or suspicion of wrong doing by not being alone with a person of the opposite gender anywhere on property. Friendships have been formed while at camp that have resulted in marriage so we want you to enjoy making and deepening friendships; we just want it to be done in a way that does not cause hurt or detract from the STR mission. If you are over age 18 and in a godly, committed relationship, please call us regarding the degree to which we'd ask you to adhere to this gender interaction policy after camp hours. Call ext 4 and leave us a message.

6 STR After-Hours Policies for Day Camp Volunteers and Their Families We want you to enjoy your experience at Strong Tower Ranch. Occasionally, teen volunteers, adult volunteers and their families stay after hours to enjoy the amenities. By following these guidelines, you will help to ensure that everyone has a safe, relaxed time at the ranch. (This and/or other specific information for the lake side, volunteer house or barn should be posted on an office door or other visible location during camp weeks and other applicable times.) Teen volunteers may stay after hours, but not overnight (unless with a small group or youth group authorized to stay overnight) with prior parental permission and consent of an adult/youth group leader on-site willing to supervise (if the parent is not on-site) until 6pm on Monday and Tuesday. On Wed, Thurs and Fri they may stay until 10pm if permission is given. This should be done each time they wish to stay after hours. Sometimes Staff families have generously offered to supervise other people s youth for the week. This is a personal decision between those families. To avoid undue stress on Staff, these decisions should be made carefully and no one should feel obligated to do this for the sake of the ministry. Ministry can suffer if people aren t rested well enough, so feel free to say no. We expect youth who are staying at the ranch overnight to respect and obey their leaders. When parents or leaders who are supervising youth indicate that it is time for lights out, there is to be no sneaking outside to do pranks, visiting those of opposite gender, etc. without the permission and participation of the adults. All youth must remain where their leaders expect them to be. LAKE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT MUST BE PRESENT at lake to supervise swimming/boating. The supervising adult uses their judgment about the ability and maturity level of the swimmers, and whether they need direct or indirect supervision. Only children 13 years old and up who are strong swimmers may swim outside the roped off area. Indirect supervision means the adult is aware of activities, is somewhere on the east side/lake side of the property and within earshot of the swimmers. They may be working in the day camp area in the office or kitchen with the doors open, visiting by the campfire or in the pavilion, gardening, playing games, etc. Direct supervision means the supervising adult must be sitting on the beach, in the pavilion, on the dock, swimming, in a boat, or fishing. They must be actively watching, not walking around the area distracted by other things. ALL DAILY CHORES AND CLEAN-UP ARE COMPLETED FIRST NO SWIMMING ALONE. There must be 2 OR MORE swimmers in the SAME AREA of the lake at the same time. Example: one swimmer in the roped off area must have another there also and same for outside the roped off area. OUTSIDE THE ROPED-OFF SWIM AREA: All youth must have specific permission from the adult who is supervising each time. All swimmers must have a reliable flotation device within reach at all times. A boater on the lake with a rescue apparatus(s) may supervise swimmer(s) without flotation device(s) within their reach. NO SWIMMING OR BOATING AFTER DARK ON THE DOCK: No pushing or shoving, and no rocking/tipping the dock (causes damage to underside). If someone lands on top of someone else in the water, serious injury could occur. Follow the direction of the supervising adult or swim time will be forfeited. Have fun, but be safe. BOATING: Life jackets must be worn while boating. Life jackets must be properly fastened, not simply in the boat or hung loosely over the body. AFTER SWIMMING AND/OR BOATING:

7 Appropriate cover or clothing should be put on (including shirts for guys). All lake items, including flotation devices, life jackets, toys, boats and boating equipment must be put in their proper places when finished and BEFORE DARK. MUSIC: Be considerate with volume. Others may not share your tastes in style, so please ask first. Music should be glorifying to God rather than human sensuality; words must not conflict with scripture and the volume must be lowered if requested. FOOD: Plan ahead/bring your own drinks/snacks. Otherwise, those who did may feel obligated to share with you and not have enough for themselves. Do not presume upon the generosity of others. TRASH: Remove yours to dumpster or take it home each evening. Animals will spread it around in the night if you don t empty trash cans each evening. BEFORE LEAVING for the evening, make sure pavilion, kitchen, beach, boat beach and restrooms are in good order. Sweeping will most likely be necessary. There should be no trash bags by the kitchen building; they should be at the dumpster. Lock the restrooms and kitchen as soon as they are swept, so they don t get dirty again. A designated adult must take responsibility for supervising clean-up. These guidelines are based on 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 Everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible - but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. We do hope that you will continue to volunteer your time and talent for years to come!